Startup Community | Asia-Pacific Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation

Drive Innovation beyond Borders

About APYEF

Our Vision

Inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship among youth to shape a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future.

Our Mission

The Asia-Pacific Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation (APYEF) is committed to building a cross-border startup ecosystem for nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs across the Asia-Pacific region and helping their innovative startups grow and succeed.

Our Story

APYEF was founded with the mandate of cultivating young Canadian entrepreneurs with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. We recognized the importance of expanding global opportunities for Canadian startups and enhancing their engagement in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market. The Foundation was registered with Canadian Federal Government under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act in July 2015. On May 18, 2016, APYEF's official launch ceremony was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the city of Montreal. More than 200 distinguished guests attending the ceremony including diplomats, government officials, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and supporters of startup communities. Both Prime Minister of Canada the Rt. Honorable Justin Trudeau and Minister of International Trade the Honorable Chrystia Freeland sent their letters of congratulation.

Since the launch ceremony APYEF has established partnerships with VCs, Angel investors, incubators, accelerators, university entrepreneurship hubs and startup communities across Canada, United States, China, and Southeast Asia. APYEF is on the way to becoming a cross-border ecosystem for not only Canadian startup founders but also for those from other Asia-Pacific countries.